The class of 1953 – old boys reunited at Ilford County High School
Ilford County High School's class of 1953 at their reunion - Credit: Archant
A group of “old boys” from an Ilford school reunited on Thursday to celebrate their 60th anniversary.
The Ilford County High School class of ’53 travelled from all over Britain – and Kearns County, California in the case of one old boy, Michael Mackenzie – for the get-together.
On their return to the all-boys grammar school in Fremantle Road, Barkingside. the 71-year-olds were greeted by headteacher, Michael Capon, and given a tour of the much changed facilities by sixth-form students.
Organiser Phil Postings said: “We were amazed at the magnificent new gym and swimming pool.
“But we were particularly impressed by the information centre, where staff had thoughtfully laid out photographs and school magazines from our era. I discovered a poem about Ilford FC which I had written for the magazine in 1958, and pictures of me in a 1957 school play.”
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They then headed to the Old Parkonians, the school’s old boys’ association base, in Forest Road, Barkingside.
“We had a buffet lunch, a few drinks and a good old chinwag about the old days,” said Phil, of Woodford Green.
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“Our games master Alf Webb, who also started at the school 60 years ago, was with us, along with Morris Hickey, chairman of the governors and an Old Parkonian.”
Former pupil David Brangwyn said: “We were just grateful Mr Webb didn’t bring his medicine ball and line us up for a ferocious game of British Bulldog!”
Mr Capon said: “It was a lovely day and a delight to spend time with them and share their memories of when the school was a different place.”
